Design and evaluation of carbon fabric/epoxy reinforced with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) hybrid composite for gamma ray shielding

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the gamma-ray shielding effectiveness and structural characterization of epoxy/carbon fabric composites reinforced with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanoparticles. A series of composite samples were fabricated with varying RGO content (0-5 wt%), and their attenuation capabilities were evaluated through experimental and computational analysis. Key radiation shielding parameters, including Mass Attenuation Coefficient (MAC), Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC), Half Value Layer (HVL), Tenth-Value Layer (TVL), and Mean Free Path (MFP), were determined for each sample using standard gamma sources (Cs-137, Co-60, and Ba-133) and validated against theoretical models via Phy-X/PSD and XCOM software. Structural and morphological characterization was performed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results indicated a significant enhancement in attenuation performance with increasing RGO content. Notably, sample 3, containing 5 wt% RGO, exhibited the highest attenuation efficiency, attributed to improved particle dispersion and increased density. XRD patterns confirmed successful integration of RGO within the epoxy matrix, while FTIR spectra revealed characteristic functional groups supporting chemical interactions between RGO and the polymer network. SEM analysis further demonstrated a well-bonded and homogeneously distributed filler network, contributing to enhanced barrier properties. These findings affirm the potential of epoxy/carbon fabric RGO hybrid composites as promising candidates for lightweight radiation shielding applications.

Fig. 1. Schematic representation of the synthesis process.

Fig. 2. Schematic representation of the hand lay-up method used for the fabrication of a hybrid composite.

Fig. 3. XRD Spectra of epoxy/carbon fabric reinforced with RGO.

Fig. 4. FTIR Spectra of epoxy/carbon fabric reinforced with RGO.

Fig. 5. SEM Micrograph (a)–(d) of epoxy/carbon fabric reinforced with RGO.

Fig. 6. Comparison of gamma-ray attenuation parameter MAC (a)–(d), obtained from experimental measurements using a NaI (Tl) detector and theoretical calculations using Phy-X/PSD and WinXCom for epoxy–carbon fabric-RGO composites.

Fig. 7. Comparison of gamma-ray attenuation parameter LAC (a)–(d), obtained from experimental measurements using a NaI (Tl) detector and theoretical calculations using Phy-X/PSD and WinXCom for epoxy carbon fabric RGO composites.

Fig. 8. Comparison of gamma-ray attenuation parameter HVL (a)–(d), obtained from experimental measurements using a NaI (Tl) detector and theoretical calculations using Phy-X/PSD and WinXCom for epoxy carbon fabric RGO composites.

Fig. 9. Comparison of gamma-ray attenuation parameter TVL (a)–(d), obtained from experimental measurements using a NaI(Tl) detector and theoretical calculations using Phy-X/PSD and WinXCom for epoxy carbon fabric RGO composites.

Fig. 10. Comparison of gamma-ray attenuation parameter MFP (a)–(d), obtained from experimental measurements using a NaI(Tl) detector and theoretical calculations using Phy-X/PSD and WinXCom for epoxy carbon fabric RGO composites.